Vancouver was named the Canadian champion of the WWF's 2013 Earth Hour City Challenge over B.C. cities Surrey and Colwood in a contest for cities switching to renewable energy. That includes energy sources such as solar and wind that do not generate significant greenhouse gas emissions.

The WWF praised Vancouver's focus on urban development and local food systems in a news release.

Vancouver is up against cities including Uppsala, Sweden and Cochin, China for the global title which will be decided through an online vote.

UPDATE - March 19, 2013: Vancouver won the title of Global Earth Hour Capital 2013 at a World Wildlife Fund awards ceremony in Malmo, Sweden. Voters from around the world also selected Vancouver as the People’s Choice winner out of the 17 cities who were national WWF Green City Challenge finalists.